Methods for administering weight loss medications

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for administration of pharmaceuticals using a unit dosage package that includes a first unit dosage that has a first drug and a second drug, a second unit dosage that has the first drug and the second drug, where the second unit dosage includes a different amount of the second drug than the first unit dosage and a unit dosage package is configured to hold the first unit dosage and the second unit dosage. In preferred embodiments the methods and systems are used for administration of weight loss medications.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/220,349 filed on Mar. 20, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,125,868, issued Sep. 8, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/838,364, filed on Jul. 16, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,722,085, issued May 13, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/937,367, filed on Nov. 8, 2007, now abandoned, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/865,159, filed Nov. 9, 2006, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to methods for administering pharmaceutical compositions, preferably, but not limited to, compositions that are useful for affecting weight loss, suppressing appetite and/or treating obesity-related conditions in individuals.

2. Description of the Related Art

Obesity is a disorder characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in the body. Obesity has been recognized as one of the leading causes of disease and is emerging as a global problem. Increased instances of complications from obesity, such as hypertension, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, arteriosclerosis, dyslipidemia, certain forms of cancer, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis, have been related to increased instances of obesity in the general population.

Prior to 1994, obesity was generally considered a psychological problem. The discovery of the adipostatic hormone leptin in 1994 brought forth the realization that in certain cases, obesity may have a biochemical basis. The corollary to this realization was the idea that treatment of obesity may be achieved by chemical approaches. Since then, a number of such chemical treatments have entered the market.

Various methods of treating diseases or conditions, for example, obesity and related conditions, involve administering certain drugs or combinations thereof. For example, a number of references disclose the administration of certain weight loss formulations that include an anticonvulsant, an opioid antagonist and/or a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI) to a patient in need thereof to affect weight loss. See, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2004/0033965; 2004/0198668; 2004/0254208; 2005/0137144; 2005/0143322; 2005/0181070; 2005/0215552; 2005/0277579; 2006/0009514; 2006/0142290; 2006/0160750 and 2006/0079501, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

However, the administration of certain pharmaceuticals, including but not limited to certain weight loss formulations, at a full dosage may initially incur adverse side effects, such that patients may be unable to tolerate a full dosage of the indicated medication. This intolerance may lead to more severe side effects and/or premature abandonment of the effective dosages and/or the treatment program. For example, administering an anticonvulsant in combination with an antidepressant may provide a combination having an enhanced ability to affect weight loss, but does not necessarily reduce or eliminate the initial adverse side effects that may accompany the administration of the anticonvulsant. Similarly, the administration of an opioid receptor antagonist in combination with an antidepressant may provide a combination having an enhanced ability to affect weight loss, but does not necessarily reduce or eliminate the adverse side effects that may accompany administration of the opioid antagonist.

SUMMARY

Methods and systems have now been developed for administering effective amounts of pharmaceutical formulations, preferably weight loss formulations, while reducing, minimizing and/or eliminating potential initial adverse side effects on the patient. In general terms, these methods and systems involve altering the dosage of one or more components of a multi-component formulation during the course of administration. For example, in an embodiment, the dose of one drug in a two-drug weight loss formulation is gradually increased from an initial low dose to an effective maintenance dose during subsequent administrations. In preferred embodiments, adverse side effects are reduced, and patient compliance and comfort are increased, thereby increasing the efficacy of the treatment regimen.

An embodiment provides a method of treating a disease or condition, for example, affecting weight loss, suppressing appetite and/or treating an obesity-related condition. The method comprises administering to a patient in need thereof a first dosage including a first drug and a second drug; and administering a second dosage comprising the first drug and the second drug, wherein the second dosage includes a different amount of the second drug than the first dosage.

Another embodiment provides a unit dosage package for a pharmaceutical composition. The unit dosage package comprises a first unit dosage including a first drug and a second drug; a second unit dosage comprising the first drug and the second drug, wherein the second unit dosage comprises a different amount of the second drug than the first unit dosage; and a unit dosage package configured to hold the first unit dosage and the second unit dosage.

Another embodiment provides a method of packaging a combination of bupropion and at least one of zonisamide and naltrexone. The method comprises providing a unit dosage package that holds the bupropion and the at least one of the zonisamide and the naltrexone; and packaging administration instructions with the unit dosage package in a unit dosage package.

These and other embodiments are described in greater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the embodiments will be readily apparent from the description below and the appended drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout, which are meant to illustrate and not to limit the embodiments, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a front perspective of unit cells in an embodiment of a unit dosage package.

FIG. 1B is a back perspective of unit cells in an embodiment of a unit dosage package.

FIG. 1C is a back perspective of unit cells in an embodiment of a unit dosage package.

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a unit dosage package with two rows of unit cells.

FIG. 2B is a back perspective of the unit dosage package in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a front perspective of an embodiment of a unit dosage package with two rows of unit cells.

FIG. 3B is a back perspective of the unit dosage package in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a front perspective of an embodiment of a unit dosage package showing four rows of unit cells.

FIG. 4B is a back perspective of the unit dosage package in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a front perspective of an embodiment of a unit dosage package containing four rows of unit cells within two rows of unit cells.

FIG. 5B is a back perspective of the unit dosage package in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a front perspective of an embodiment of a unit dosage package with a second unit dosage package attached.

FIG. 6B is a back perspective view of the unit dosage package in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a front perspective of an embodiment of a unit dosage package containing six rows of unit cells and two columns of unit cells.

FIG. 7B is a back perspective of the unit dosage package in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a front perspective of an embodiment of a unit dosage package with a second unit dosage package attached.

FIG. 8B is a back perspective view of the unit dosage package in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a unit dosage package containing eight rows of blisters and two columns of unit cells.

FIG. 9B is a back perspective view of the unit dosage package in FIG. 9A.

It will be understood that for the unit dosage packages described and/or depicted herein, rows (horizontal) and columns (vertical) may be inverted so that rows become columns and columns become rows. Such an inversion is within the scope of the present disclosure although as a convention this application generally refers to horizontal as rows and vertical as columns.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments described herein relate generally to systems and methods for administering pharmaceutical compounds for treatment of a disease or condition, (e.g., affecting weight loss, suppressing appetite and/or treating an obesity-related condition), while reducing, minimizing and/or eliminating potential initial adverse side effects on a patient. In general terms, these methods and systems involve altering the dosage of one or more ingredients of a multi-ingredient pharmaceutical formulation during the course of administration. For example, in an embodiment, the dose of one drug in a two-drug weight loss formulation is gradually increased from an initial low dose to an effective maintenance dose during subsequent administrations. In preferred embodiments, adverse side effects are reduced, patient compliance and comfort are increased, and thereby the efficacy of the treatment regimen is increased.

A pharmaceutical formulation comprises two or more pharmaceutical compositions administered either as discrete simultaneously administered dosages or as a single dosage form administration comprising two or more active ingredients or pharmaceutical compositions, e.g. a multilayer tablet. A pharmaceutical composition is a mixture of chemical compounds (e.g. one or more drugs) with additional pharmaceutical compounds, such as diluents or carriers. The pharmaceutical composition facilitates administration of the drug to an organism. Pharmaceutical compositions may be obtained by reacting compounds with inorganic or organic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, salicylic acid and the like. A “drug” as used herein refers both to active ingredients and formulations that have received FDA approval as well as those that have not received FDA approval.

In some embodiments a multilayer tablet is a pharmaceutical formulation comprising two or more pharmaceutical layers comprising pharmaceutical compositions and an intermediate layer between at least two of the two or more pharmaceutical layers. The intermediate layer is configured to dissolve in vivo with a substantially higher dissolution rate than at least two of the two or more pharmaceutical layers. Novel multilayer tablet formulations are described in co-pending application entitled LAYERED PHARMACEUTICAL FORMULATIONS, filed on the same date as the present application, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Methods of treating a disease or condition, preferably affecting weight loss, suppressing appetite and/or treating an obesity-related condition, as described herein, comprise administering a series of dosages to a patient. For example, administering a first dosage comprises administering a first drug and a second drug. Each drug may be administered separately or each drug may be part of a single dosage, e.g., a capsule or multilayer tablet. Multiple techniques of administering a drug exist in the art including, but not limited to, oral, injection, aerosol, parenteral and topical administration. Administration of a second dosage comprises administering the first drug and the second drug. The amount of the second drug in the second administration is different and, in a preferred embodiment, greater than the amount of the second drug in the first administration. In subsequent administrations, the amount of the second drug may be increased until an effective maintenance dose is reached.

Some drugs may incur initial and/or severe side effects when administered at an effective maintenance dose. Such drugs may be coupled with other drugs in pharmaceutical compositions to increase the efficacy or tolerability (e.g. by reducing adverse side effects) of one or both drugs. When such pharmaceutical formulations are administered according to the systems and methods described above, the side effects that might otherwise be present during administration are reduced or eliminated.

For example, some pharmaceutical formulations for affecting weight loss, suppressing appetite and/or treating an obesity-related condition while reducing, minimizing and/or eliminating potential initial adverse side effects on a patient include administration of an antidepressant in conjunction with an anticonvulsant and/or an opioid receptor antagonist. In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical formulation comprising the antidepressant with the anticonvulsant or the opioid receptor antagonist is effective at treating obesity. A first dosage comprising the antidepressant with the anticonvulsant or the opioid receptor antagonist is administered on a first day. A second dosage comprising the antidepressant with the anticonvulsant or the opioid receptor antagonist is administered on a second day. The amount of the anticonvulsant or the opioid receptor antagonist in the second dosage is increased relative to the first dosage. In each subsequent dosage, an amount of the anticonvulsant or the opioid receptor antagonist is increased until a maintenance dosage is reached. In this manner, the patient may become accustomed to the administration of the dosage of the anticonvulsant or the opioid receptor antagonist present in the pharmaceutical formulation. The patient is then less likely to have initial and/or severe side effects that might otherwise accompany a dosage of the anticonvulsant or the opioid receptor antagonist with the antidepressant in an amount effective to treat obesity related conditions.

For practical purposes, in some embodiments unit dosage packages are employed to facilitate the methods described herein. Unit dosage packages comprise pharmaceutical formulations of drugs for treating a disease or condition, preferably for affecting weight loss, suppressing appetite and/or treating an obesity-related condition. Unit dosage packages comprise a first unit dosage comprising a first drug and a second drug, and a second unit dosage comprising the first drug and the second drug. In the second unit dosage, the amount of the second drug is different than the amount of the second drug in the first unit dosage.

FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of the unit dosage package. FIG. 1A shows a front side 100 of unit cells 104. Each unit cell 104 contains at least one blister 106 with a cavity that encloses a pharmaceutical composition 118. The unit cell 104 contains a label 108 for a specific dose (or instructions for administering a unit dosage) contained within the unit cell 104. The unit cell 104 also optionally comprises a closed push-through tab 110 and optionally a corresponding open push-through tab 114, which has been pushed from the front side 100 of the unit cell 104 to the back, to open the blister 106 and provide access to the pharmaceutical composition 118. In some embodiments, the tab is not present, and the dosage is pushed through the covering of the blister pack for dispensing.

FIG. 1B shows a back side 102 of the unit dosage package. The unit cell 104 in this embodiment has a label 108 for a single dose contained within the unit cell 104, wherein the label 108 on the back side 102 corresponds to the label 108 on the front side of the unit dosage package 100. Shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1B is an open push-through tab 114 before it has been peeled back or removed to open the blister 106.

In FIG. 1C the back side 102 of the unit dosage package is illustrated with an unopened unit cell 112 contrasted with an opened and peeled back push-through tab 116 that allows dispensing of the pharmaceutical composition 118 from the blister 106.

In another embodiment, FIG. 2A is a front side of a unit dosage package 210 attached to a cover 206. The attached cover 206 folds to cover the front side of the unit dosage package 210 by means of a fold 204 which connects the cover 206 to the unit dosage package. The unit dosage package 210 contains at least one blister 106 with a cavity that protrudes through the front of the unit dosage package 210. In some embodiments the blisters 106 are thermo-formed or cold-formed blisters.

A plurality of the blisters on unit cells is formed into rows such as the row illustrated in FIG. 2A between the arrows 216 or the row between the arrows 208. A row of blisters 216 corresponds to increasing dosages of a specific pharmaceutical ingredient or composition. In one embodiment a single blister 106 within a row contains a dosage combination of an anticonvulsant and an antidepressant. The amount of the anticonvulsant increases in each dosage from one end of the row 208 to an opposite end, while the amount of antidepressant is constant in every dosage contained in the row 208.

Optionally, push-through tabs 202 allow for the opening of a single blister 106 in either the row 216 or the row 208. For example, the push-through tab 202 allows for opening the blister 106 by pushing the tab 202 from the front of the unit dosage package 210 through the back of the unit dosage package using a key, a pen, a pin, a thumbnail or some other object. The unit dosage package is then turned over and the push-through tab 202 is peeled away to expose and/or remove the unit dosage package backing. A dosage otherwise contained within a blister 106 may then be pushed through the backing and out of the back of the unit dosage package. Alternatively, the dosage is pushed through the backing without the optional tab. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the blisters can be on the top or bottom, and the dosage correspondingly pushed through the bottom or top of the package.

A unit dosage package is made of any suitable material. In some embodiments instructions for opening a unit cell are included on the cover 206 attached to the unit dosage package. Alternatively, instructions are included below the row 208, the row 216 or on any part of the front of the unit dosage package 210. In some embodiments instructions are separate from, but included with the unit dosage package as part of a kit. Instructions may also be printed on the packaging that comes with the unit dosage package. In some embodiments instructions say something along these lines: (1) push-through black half circle with a key, a pen or a thumbnail; (2) turn card over and peel tab to expose foil; (3) push on plastic blister to dispense. In some embodiments the text “PUSH” or some variation thereof is located on the tabs which open the blisters.

FIG. 2B illustrates the back of a unit dosage package 214. The back of the unit dosage package 214 is made of any suitable material for a unit dosage package. For example, the backing 212 of each blister 106 may comprise a semi-rigid foil or other material connected to the tab 202 and also to the blister 106. As explained previously, when the tab 202 is pushed through from the front of the unit dosage package to the back of the unit dosage package, the tab 202 is then peeled back, peeling away the backing 212 to expose and/or allow for the pharmaceutical composition to be pushed out of the blister 106. Alternatively, the tab is omitted and the dosage is pushed through the backing without first peeling it back.

In some embodiments multiple drugs are contained within a single blister for release at a specific time. In other embodiments, a single blister contains only a single drug, for example, a single dose of one or more immediate-release formulations. The term “immediate-release” is used herein to specify that the immediate release formulation is not configured to alter the dissolution profile of the formulation. In some embodiments the one or more formulations comprise one or more controlled-release formulations. The term “controlled-release” is used herein in its ordinary sense and thus includes formulations that are combined with ingredients to alter their dissolution profile. A “sustained-release” formulation is a type of controlled-release formulation, wherein ingredients have been added such that the dissolution profile is extended over a longer period of time than that of an immediate release formulation. A “unit dosage” is an amount of drug or drugs taken at a single dosage time. In some embodiments a unit dosage comprises a combination of drugs in a single pharmaceutical formulation or physical form, e.g. a pill or capsule. In some embodiments a unit dosage comprises a combination of drugs in a plurality of separate pharmaceutical formulations or physical forms, e.g. multiple pills or capsules. In some embodiments a single drug is present in a plurality of pharmaceutical formulations or physical forms, e.g. pills or capsules, as a single unit dosage. In some embodiments a unit dosage may be contained within one or more blisters. Thus, in some embodiments, a single blister contains only a single drug, for example, a single dose of sustained-release zonisamide in a single pill or capsule. In other embodiments, a unit dosage of sustained-release zonisamide may be contained within multiple blisters, for example, each containing one or more pills. Thus, in one embodiment two or three of the blisters within a single row or column in a unit dosage package comprise a single unit dosage of a drug.

FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment wherein a day label 302 corresponds with a time label 304. The day label 302 additionally corresponds to a unit cell 104 containing a unit dosage. In this embodiment a single blister 106 is contained within a unit cell 104. In the illustrated embodiment a row of blisters 308 corresponds to a specific time label 304 for administration of a medication. As shown in FIG. 3A, a certain day 302 corresponds to a particular administration of one or more unit dosages to a patient. For example, from row 308 and column 306 a first unit dosage corresponds to an AM administration on a Saturday. Later that same day, from row 310 and column 306 (for administration in an evening time), a patient receives a second unit dosage. Thus, a patient uses the unit dosage package to administer the particular drugs for affecting obesity.

In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition corresponding to a unit dosage includes a plurality of drugs. In those embodiments, a specific day 302 and time 304 corresponds to a single unit dosage. For example, in one embodiment of a series of unit dosages each dosage comprises a static amount of a first drug and a static amount of a second drug. In another embodiment of a series of unit dosages each dosage comprises a static amount of a first drug and varying dosages of a second drug. In another embodiment of a series of unit dosages each dosage comprises a varying amount of a first drug and a varying amount of a second drug.

In some embodiments, unit dosages on a unit dosage package are sequentially numbered, lettered, or a combination of numbers and letters to indicate an order of administration of each unit dosage. In some embodiments the sequential numbering corresponds to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, . . . n, wherein each number corresponds to a part of, or whole day, week, or month, where “n” is a finite number. For example, in one embodiment, a unit dosage package similar in form to FIG. 3A comprises numerical labels corresponding to the days and times of administration. In this embodiment, no “day labels” or “time labels” are present.

FIG. 3B illustrates a back of the unit dosage package illustrated in FIG. 3A.

In another embodiment of a unit dosage package FIG. 4A illustrates a series of push-through tabs 402 for opening a plurality of blisters 106. For example, within column 412, blisters from both row 404 and row 406 would be opened by pulling on tab 414 to remove a backing 416 discussed below with reference to FIG. 4B. Similarly, push-through tab 418 would open two blisters 106 within column 412, one from row 408 and one from row 410.

FIG. 4B illustrates the backing 416 for the unit dosage package in FIG. 4A. The backing 416 allows for a push-through tab 402 to open multiple blisters at a single time.

In another embodiment of a unit dosage package illustrated in FIG. 5A, specific day labels 302 on unit cells 104 each correspond to a time label 304 for administration of medication. Here, the time labels 304 shown for administration of medication are AM and PM administrations. In an AM administration, a unit cell 104 comprises a single blister 106 from row 502 and a single blister 106 from row 504. A row of unit cells 104 corresponds to evening administration. Thus, in this embodiment, each unit cell 104 within row 506 contains two blisters 106 for evening administration of a specific pharmaceutical composition.

Further, a unit dosage comprising a combination of drugs within column 508 corresponds to a morning administration and an evening administration on a Saturday. The morning administration comprises one blister 106 from row 502 and one blister 106 from row 504. The combination of medications from rows 502, 504 correspond to a unit dosage of medication for administration on a Saturday morning.

FIG. 5B illustrates a back of the unit dosage package illustrated in FIG. 5A.

Another embodiment of a unit dosage package is illustrated in FIG. 6A. The embodiment shows a second unit dosage package 602 attached to a first unit dosage package 601 via a fold 610. The first unit dosage package 601 illustrates a row 604 comprising four blisters 106 wherein a single push-through tab 606 that opens all blisters 106 within the row 604. Similarly, the second unit dosage package 602 contains multiple blisters 106 arranged into rows and columns. A push-through tab 612 for opening a row of blisters 106 is shown on the second unit dosage package 602. The push-through tab 612 would open an entire row, for example, the row 608 on the second unit dosage package 602.

As illustrated in FIG. 6A, a row of blisters 608 on the second unit dosage package 602 contains two blisters 106. A row of blisters 604 on the first unit dosage package 601 contains four blisters. Thus, in some embodiments a single unit dosage package comprises numerous blisters 106. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, each row of blisters 106 is configured to be opened by the push-through tabs 606 or 612.

FIG. 6B corresponds to a back side of the unit dosage package illustrated in FIG. 6A.

Another embodiment of a unit dosage package is illustrated in FIG. 7A. Similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6A, a first unit dosage package 601 is attached to a second unit dosage package via a fold 610. The first unit dosage package 601 is also attached to a cover 206 via a fold 204. In some embodiments the cover comprises an instruction sheet. In this embodiment, the first unit dosage package 601 corresponds to AM administration of unit dosages and the second unit dosage package 602 corresponds to PM administration of unit dosages.

FIG. 7B illustrates the back side of the unit dosage package in FIG. 7A.

Similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7A, FIG. 8A illustrates one embodiment comprising a first unit dosage package 601 attached to a cover 206 via fold 204. The first unit dosage package 601 is also attached to a second unit dosage package 602 via fold 610. Here, the second unit dosage package 602 comprises a row 804 of four blisters 106 wherein a single row of blisters 106 are opened by a single push-through tab 612. FIG. 8A illustrates that a single push-through tab 612 opens all four blisters 106 within a row 804 on the second unit dosage package 602. Similarly, a single push-through tab 606 opens the row 804 of blisters 106 on the first unit dosage package 601.

FIG. 8B illustrates a back of the unit dosage package in FIG. 8A.

In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9A, the first unit dosage package 601 attached to a cover 206 via a fold 204 corresponds to a time label 304, specifically an AM administration of a drug. The AM dosages for an extra week are arranged in unit cells 104 on the first unit dosage package 601. As in FIG. 8A, opening a single push-through tab 606 exposes drugs contained within a row 604 corresponding to a unit dosage of an AM administration on a Thursday. Similarly, a push-through tab 612 opens all blisters 106 in a unit cell 104 corresponding to the row 804 on Saturday evening. Each day and time listed on the first unit dosage package 601 and the second unit dosage package 602 corresponds to different dosages.

FIG. 9B illustrates the back side of the unit dosage package illustrated in FIG. 9A.

In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the active pharmaceutical ingredients utilized to treat a disease or condition can be selected from any of the compounds below.

Antidepressants and Psychotherapeutics

As mentioned previously, in some embodiments the compositions for the treatment of obesity or for affecting weight loss comprise an antidepressant and at least one of an anticonvulsant and an opioid receptor antagonist. In some embodiments the antidepressant comprises a dopamine reuptake inhibitor or receptor antagonist. Examples of dopamine reuptake inhibitors include phentermine and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof. Examples of dopamine receptor antagonists include haloperidol, ocaperidone, risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, amisulpride, and pimozide and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof. In some embodiments the antidepressant comprises a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Examples of norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors include bupropion, thionisoxetine, atomoxetine and reboxetine and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof. Other embodiments include those in which the antidepressant is a dopamine agonist. Dopamine agonists available on the market include cabergoline, amantadine, lisuride, pergolide, ropinirole, pramipexole, and bromocriptine. In some embodiments the antidepressant comprises a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, preferably a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Examples of serotonin reuptake inhibitors include fluoxetine and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof.

Throughout the disclosure of the present specification the term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” refers to a formulation of a compound that does not cause significant irritation to an organism to which it is administered and does not abrogate the biological activity and properties of the compound. Pharmaceutical salts can be obtained by reacting a compound of the disclosure with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, salicylic acid and the like. Pharmaceutical salts can also be obtained by reacting a compound of the disclosure with a base to form a salt such as ammonium salt, an alkali metal salt such as a sodium or a potassium salt, an alkaline earth metal salt such as a calcium or a magnesium salt, a salt of organic bases such as dicyclohexylamine, N-methyl-D-glucamine, tris(hydroxymethyl) methylamine and salts thereof with amino acids such as arginine, lysine and the like.

The term “prodrug” refers to an agent that is converted into the parent drug in vivo. Prodrugs are often useful because, in some situations, they are easier to administer than the parent drug. They can, for instance, be bioavailable by oral administration whereas the parent is not. The prodrug can also have improved solubility in pharmaceutical compositions over the parent drug or can demonstrate increased palpability or be easier to formulate.

Bupropion, whose chemical name is (±)-1-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-[(1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]-1-propanone, is the active drug in the drugs marketed as ZYBAN® and WELLBUTRIN®, and is usually administered as a hydrochloride salt. Throughout the present disclosure, whenever the term “bupropion” is used, it is understood that the term encompasses bupropion as a free base, or as a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, or as a bupropion metabolite or salt thereof.

The metabolites of bupropion suitable for inclusion in the methods and compositions described herein include the erythro- and threo-amino alcohols of bupropion, the erythro-amino diol of bupropion, and morpholinol metabolites of bupropion. In some embodiments, the metabolite of bupropion is (±)-(2R*,3R*)-2-(3-chlorophenyl)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-morpholinol. In some embodiments the metabolite is (−)-(2R*,3R*)-2-(3-chlorophenyl)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-morpholinol, while in other embodiments, the metabolite is (+)-(2S,3 S)-2-(3-chlorophenyl)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-morpholinol. Preferably, the metabolite of bupropion is (+)-(2S,3S)-2-(3-chlorophenyl)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-morpholinol, which is known by its common name of radafaxine. The scope of the present disclosure includes the above-mentioned metabolites of bupropion as a free base or as a physiologically acceptable salt thereof. Controlled-release bupropion formulations of bupropion are known in the art. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,708, which discloses a once-daily dosage configured to deliver bupropion in vivo over a 6 to 12 hour period.

Olanzapine, whose chemical name is 2-methyl-4-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-10H-thieno[2,3-b][1,5]benzodiazepine, is used as a psychotherapeutic agent primarily for the treatment of schizophrenia, acute manic episodes in bipolar disorder acute, maintenance treatment in bipolar disorder and agitation associated with both these disorders. Throughout the present disclosure, whenever the term “olanzapine” is used, it is understood that the term encompasses olanzapine as a free base, or as a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, or as a olanzapine metabolite or salt thereof.

Olanzapine displays linear kinetics. Its elimination half-life ranges from 21 to 54 hours. Steady state plasma concentrations are achieved in about a week. Olanzapine undergoes extensive first pass metabolism and bioavailability is not affected by food.

The psychotherapeutic agent may be selected from the group consisting of mirtazapine, setiptiline, paroxetine, venlafaxine, olanzapine, bupropion, risperidone, lamotrogine, risperidone, a lithium salt, valproic acid, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof. In some embodiments the psychotherapeutic agent is an antidepressant, an antimigrane, an antibipolar, an antimania drug, a mood stabilizer, or an antiepileptic. Examples of antidepressants include paroxetine, mirtazapine, and bupropion. Examples of antibipolar drugs include lithium, valproate, carbamezepine, oxycarbamezepine, lamotrogine, tiagabine, olanzapine, clozapine, risperidone, quetiapine, aripiprazole, ziprasidone, and benzodiazepines. Also included are pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs of these drugs, extended release or controlled release formulations of the above drugs, as well as combinations of the above drugs.

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), whose chemical name is N-methyl-3-phenyl-3-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]-propan-1-amine, is used primarily for the treatment of depression (including pediatric depression), obsessive-compulsive disorder (in both adult and pediatric populations), bulimia nervosa, panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, hypochondriasis and body dysmorphic disorder. Throughout the present disclosure, whenever the term “fluoxetine” is used, it is understood that the term encompasses fluoxetine as a free base, or as a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, or as a fluoxetine metabolite or salt thereof.

Fluoxetine has a bioavailability of approximately 72%, and peak plasma concentrations are reached in 6 to 8 hours. It is highly bound to plasma proteins, mostly albumin. Its elimination half-life ranges from 1 to 3 days—after a single dose—to 4 to 6 days (after long-term use) in healthy adults, and is prolonged in those with liver disease. The half-life of norfluoxetine is longer (16 days after long-term use). Complete excretion of the drug may take several weeks.

The SSRI can be selected from fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, sertraline, paroxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, sibutramine, duloxetine, and venlafaxine, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof. In some embodiments, the SSRI is fluoxetine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof.

Fluoxetine has a physiological half life of about 24 hours, whereas that of naltrexone is about 1.5 hours. However their metabolites may demonstrate half-lives in excess of 24 hours. Thus, in some cases, it may be beneficial to administer one dose of fluoxetine per day in conjunction with two or three or more doses of naltrexone (discussed below) throughout the day. Naltrexone may also be in a time-release formulation where the dose is administered once a day, but naltrexone gradually enters the blood stream throughout the day, or in the course of a 12 hour period.

Symptoms of the obsessive compulsive disorders are inhibited in individuals being administered fluoxetine and naltrexone. Adverse events associated with the obsessive compulsive disorders are reduced in individuals being administered fluoxetine and naltrexone. The effects of administration of both fluoxetine and naltrexone on obsessive compulsive disorder are synergistic compared to effects of those expected by administration of fluoxetine and naltrexone alone.

Newer generation antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, sertraline, paroxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram), venlafaxine, duloxetine, nefazodone, mianserin setiptiline, viqualine trazodone, cianopramine, and mirtazapine.

Phentermine is an example of a dopamine reuptake inhibitor with a chemical name 2-methyl-1-phenylpropan-2-amine and 2-methyl-amphetamine. Throughout the present disclosure, whenever the term “phentermine” is used, it is understood that the term encompasses phentermine as a free base, or as a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, or as a phentermine metabolite or salt thereof.

Antidiabetic

In some embodiments an antidiabetic comprises a biguanide, glucosidase inhibitor, insulin, meglitinide, sulfonylurea or a thiazolidinedione. In some embodiments a biguanide comprises metformin hydrochloride. In some embodiments a glucosidase inhibitor includes acarbose and miglitol. Examples of insulin include human insulin, pork insulin, beef insulin, beef-pork insulin, insulin from different sources such as recombinant DNA and animal sources, as well as regular, NPH, and LENTE® types of insulin. Other examples of insulin include mixtures of the various forms of insulin (e.g. NPH and regular human and pork insulin). Other examples of insulin include mixtures of Insulin Lispro Protamine and Insulin Injection (rDNA origin), a 50/50 (or a 70/30) mixture of Human Insulin Isophane Suspension and Human Insulin Injection, a 70/30 mixture of NPH Human Insulin Isophane Suspension and Human Insulin Injection (rDNA), insulin glargine, insulin lispro, insulin aspart, as well as insulin mixed with other ingredients such as zinc crystals or in a phosphate buffer. Insulin may be from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or other sources. Examples of meglitinides include nateglinide and repaglinide. Examples of sulfonylureas include glimepiride, glyburide, glibenclamide, gliquidone, gliclazide, chlorpropamide, tolbutamide, tolazamide and glipizide. Examples of thiazolidinediones include rosiglitazone and pioglitazone. Also included are extended release formulations of the above drugs, as well as combinations of the above drugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof.

As mentioned above, in certain embodiments, the antidiabetic is metformin. Metformin, whose chemical name is 1-(diaminomethylidene)-3,3-dimethyl-guanidine, is often used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2, especially when accompanied obesity and insulin resistance. Metformin has also been proven to reduce the cardiovascular complications of diabetes.

Anticonvulsants

In some embodiments, the anticonvulsant is selected from the group consisting of zonisamide, topiramate, nembutal, lorazepam, clonazepam, clorazepate, tiagabine, gabapentin, fosphenytoin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, balproate, felbamate, lebetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine, methsuximide and ethosuxmide.

Zonisamide is a marketed anticonvulsant indicated as adjunctive therapy for adults with partial onset seizures. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the mechanism of antiepileptic activity appears to be: (1) sodium-channel blocking; and (2) reduction of inward T-type calcium occurrence. In addition, zonisamide binds to the GABA/benzodiazepine receptor complex without producing change in chloride flux. Further, zonisamide facilitates serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission and possesses a weak inhibitory effect on carbonic anhydrase.

Zonisamide has been shown to cause significant weight loss (comparable to marketed weight loss medications) in patients presenting primary obesity. It has been postulated that the affect of zonisamide on the CNS concentration of serotonin, dopamine and carbonic anhydrase is responsible for this effect. There is evidence that zonisamide increases serotonin and dopamine synthesis rates herein. There is further evidence suggesting that zonisamide stimulates dopamine D₂ receptors.

Zonisamide can be formulated in an immediate release, a controlled-release and/or sustained-release tablet or gel form. This allows a patient newly prescribed zonisamide to ramp up the dosage level over a period of several days. This increase in dosage form allows the patient to avoid some of the negative side effects that have been exhibited during the initial administration of zonisamide to a patient. Some of these initial side effects include a shock to the body. Although patients who start with a full dose of zonisamide will become acclimated to the dosage over a period of time, the negative side effects accompanying the initial shock to the body can be avoided with a method wherein dosages are increased over a period of several days.

In a pharmaceutical formulation with a drug such as bupropion, a method of administering sustained-release zonisamide by increasing dosages over a period of time can reduce shock to the body while still having a maximum effect for prevention of weight gain and/or treatment of obesity.

In some embodiments, the antidepressant and the anticonvulsant are administered more or less simultaneously. In other embodiments, the antidepressant is administered prior to the anticonvulsant. In yet other embodiments, the antidepressant is administered subsequent to the anticonvulsant.

In certain embodiments, the antidepressant and the anticonvulsant are administered individually. In the other embodiments, the first compound and the anticonvulsant are covalently linked to each other such that they form a single chemical entity. The single chemical entity is then digested and is metabolized into two separate physiologically active chemical entities, one of which is the antidepressant and the other one is the anticonvulsant.

Pharmaceutical preparations of the types found in the unit dosage packages of the present disclosure include forms suitable for packaging within a blister including gel capsules and tablets.

Although the exact dosages will be determined on a drug-by-drug basis, in most cases some generalizations regarding the dosage can be made. Some descriptions of appropriate unit dosages of bupropion, zonisamide, and combinations thereof are disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/740,034, filed on Nov. 28, 2005; 60/832,110, filed on Jul. 19, 2006; 60/835,564, filed on Aug. 4, 2006; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/194,201 entitled COMBINATION OF BUPROPION AND A SECOND COMPOUND FOR AFFECTING WEIGHT LOSS, filed on Aug. 1, 2005; which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties, and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2005/0215552; and 2006/0079501 mentioned previously.

In some embodiments the anticonvulsant is a γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) inhibitor, a GABA receptor antagonist or a GABA channel modulator. By “GABA inhibitor” it is meant a compound that reduces the production of GABA in the cells, reduces the release of GABA from the cells, or reduces the activity of GABA on its receptors, either by preventing the binding of GABA to GABA receptors or by minimizing the effect of such binding. The GABA inhibitor may be a 5-HT1b agonist or another agent that inhibits the activity of NPY/AgRP/GABA neurons. In addition, the GABA inhibitor may suppress the expression of the AgRP gene, or the GABA inhibitor may suppress the production or release of AgRP. It is, however, understood that a 5-HT1b agonist may inhibit the NPY/AgRP/GABA neuron (and therefore activate pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons) without acting as an inhibitor of the GABA pathway.

In certain other embodiments the GABA inhibitor increases the expression of the POMC gene. In some of these embodiments, the GABA inhibitor increases the production or release of POMC protein. In certain other of these embodiments, the GABA inhibitor increases the activity on POMC expressing neurons.

In some embodiments, the GABA inhibitor is topiramate. Topiramate, whose chemical name is 2,3:4,5-Bis-O-(1-methylethylidene)-beta-D-fructopyranose sulfamate, is often used to treat epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a disorder causing seizures and developmental delays), neuropathic pain, bipolar disorder, obesity including reduction of binge eating, alcoholism, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, infantile spasm, bulimia nervosa, or obsessive-compulsive disorder or to assist smoking cessation or prevent migraines. Generally, initial doses of topiramate are low and increased in slow steps. The usual initial dose is 25 to 50 mg daily in 2 single doses. Recommended increments vary, but are usually between 25 mg and 50 mg every 1 or 2 weeks. Common doses for maintenance treatment are 100 to 200 mg daily.

Opioid Receptor Antagonists

In certain embodiments the opioid antagonist antagonizes a μ-opioid receptor (MOP-R) in a mammal. The mammal may be selected from the group consisting of mice, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs, cats, sheep, goats, cows, primates, such as monkeys, chimpanzees, and apes, and humans.

In some embodiments the opioid antagonist is selected from the group consisting of alvimopan, norbinaltorphimine, nalmefene, naloxone, naltrexone, methylnaltrexone, and nalorphine, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof.

In other embodiments, the opioid antagonist is a partial opioid agonist. Compounds of this class have some agonist activity at opioid receptors. However, because they are weak agonists, they function as de-facto antagonists. Examples of partial opioid agonists include pentacozine, buprenorphine, nalorphine, propiram, and lofexidine.

Naltrexone (17-(cyclopropylmethly)-4, 5α-epoxy-3, 14-dihydroxymorphinan-6-one) is an opioid receptor antagonist used primarily in the management of alcohol dependence and opioid dependence. μ-subtype selective opioid antagonists such as naltrexone are also of considerable current interest as agents for the treatment of obesity (Glass, M. J.; Billington, C. J.; Levine, A. S. Neuropeptides 1999, 33, 350) and CNS disorders (Reneric, J. P.; Bouvard, M. P. CNS Drugs 1998, 10, 365).

Naltrexone is marketed as its hydrochloride salt, naltrexone hydrochloride, under the trade name REVIA™. REVIA™ is an immediate release formulation of naltrexone, with 50 mg strength. The maximum serum concentration of immediate release naltrexone is reached very rapidly, typically a T_(max) of approximately 1 hour. Immediate release naltrexone can induce side effects such as nausea, which is attributable to the maximum blood plasma concentration levels (C_(max)).

Formulations of sustained-release naltrexone have been disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60/811,251, filed Jun. 5, 2006; and 60/841,114, filed Aug. 29, 2006; which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In some embodiments, oral dosage forms of naltrexone are effective to provide an AUC between about 75% to about 125% of 50 mg immediate release naltrexone tablets. In some embodiments oral dosage forms of naltrexone provide an amount of a retardant excipient that is effective to provide a C_(max) that is less than or equal to about 80% of the C_(max) of 50 mg immediate release naltrexone tablets.

Those skilled in the art informed by the guidance provided herein can formulate oral dosage forms described herein. For example, one skilled in the art could formulate an oral dosage form that comprises an amount of naltrexone that is effective to provide an AUC between about 75% to about 125% of 50 mg immediate release naltrexone tablets, and an amount of an appropriate retardant excipient effective to provide a C_(max) that is less than or equal to about 80% of the C_(max) of 50 mg immediate release naltrexone tablets. Further, given the guidance provided herein, the skilled artisan could formulate an oral dosage form having a pharmacodynamic profile characterized by coverage of greater than or equal to about 80% of the opioid receptors in the hypothalamus.

Sustained-Release Zonisamide and Sustained-Release Bupropion

A pharmaceutical formulation comprising sustained-release zonisamide and bupropion can be made in various ways, e.g., by intermixing granules or beads of sustained-release zonisamide with bupropion or sustained-release bupropion, then forming tablets from the mixture in the usual fashion.

A pharmaceutical formulation of zonisamide in combination with bupropion can be used to treat various conditions. For example, an embodiment provides a method for affecting weight loss, increasing energy expenditure, increasing satiety in an individual, and/or suppressing the appetite of an individual, comprising identifying an individual in need thereof and administering effective amounts of sustained-release zonisamide and bupropion. In some embodiments the sustained-release zonisamide and bupropion are administered more or less simultaneously. In other embodiments the sustained-release zonisamide is administered prior to the bupropion. In yet other embodiments, the sustained-release zonisamide is administered subsequent to the bupropion. In other embodiments, one of the compounds is administered while the other compound is being administered.

Sustained-Release Zonisamide and Sustained-Release Naltrexone

In some embodiments naltrexone comprises formulations of either immediate release naltrexone or sustained-release naltrexone. A pharmaceutical formulation comprising sustained-release zonisamide and naltrexone can be made in various ways, e.g., by intermixing granules or beads of sustained-release zonisamide with naltrexone or sustained-release naltrexone, then forming tablets from the mixture in the usual fashion.

Sustained-release zonisamide pharmaceutical formulation can be used in combination with naltrexone to treat various conditions. For example, an embodiment provides a method for affecting weight loss, increasing energy expenditure, increasing satiety in an individual, and/or suppressing the appetite of an individual, comprising identifying an individual in need thereof and administering effective amounts of sustained-release zonisamide and naltrexone. In some embodiments the sustained-release zonisamide and naltrexone are administered more or less simultaneously. In other embodiments the sustained-release zonisamide is administered prior to the naltrexone. In yet other embodiments, the sustained-release zonisamide is administered subsequent to the naltrexone. In other embodiments, one of the compounds is administered while the other compound is being administered.

Sustained-Release Bupropion and Sustained-Release Naltrexone

In some embodiments naltrexone comprises formulations of either immediate release naltrexone or sustained-release naltrexone. In some embodiments bupropion comprises formulations of either immediate release or sustained-release bupropion. A pharmaceutical formulation comprising both bupropion and naltrexone is used in various disclosed embodiments.

Sustained-release bupropion can be used in a pharmaceutical formulation with naltrexone to treat various conditions. For example, an embodiment provides a method for affecting weight loss, increasing energy expenditure, increasing satiety in an individual, and/or suppressing the appetite of an individual. The method comprises identifying an individual in need thereof and administering effective amounts of sustained-release bupropion and naltrexone in a pharmaceutical formulation. In some embodiments the bupropion and naltrexone are administered more or less simultaneously. In other embodiments the bupropion is administered prior to the naltrexone. In yet other embodiments, the bupropion is administered subsequent to the naltrexone. In other embodiments, one of the compounds is administered while the other compound is being administered.

EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment a method of treating a disease or condition comprises identifying a patient suffering from or at risk of said condition. In some embodiments the disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of affecting weight loss, suppressing appetite and. treating an obesity-related condition. In one embodiment the method comprises administering to a patient in need thereof a first dosage comprising a first drug and a second drug and administering a second dosage comprising the first drug and the second drug, wherein the second dosage comprises a different amount of the second drug than the first dosage.

In some embodiments the second dosage comprises a greater amount of the second drug than the amount of the second drug in the first dosage. In other embodiments the second dosage comprises a smaller amount of the second drug than the first dosage. In some embodiments the second dosage comprises a different amount of the first drug than the first dosage. In some embodiments the first drug comprises a greater amount in the second dosage than in the first dosage. In other embodiments the first drug comprises a smaller amount in the second dosage than in the first dosage. In some embodiments the first drug comprises a greater amount in the second dosage than in the first dosage and the second drug comprises a greater amount in the second dosage than in the first dosage. In some embodiments the first drug comprises a greater amount in the second dosage than in the first dosage and the second drug comprises a smaller amount in the second dosage than in the first dosage. In some embodiments the first drug comprises a smaller amount in the second dosage than in the first dosage and the second drug comprises a smaller amount in the second dosage than in the first dosage. In any of the embodiments, the change in amount of the first and/or second drug can be continued in the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh or more dosages, until the desired amount is reached, at which point the amount is maintained in subsequent doses. The number of doses which have increasing or decreasing amounts of one drug can be different or the same as the number of doses which have increasing or decreasing amounts of the other drug. One of skill in the art will recognize that the embodiments described herein are not limited to two drug combinations, but can include 3, 4, 5, 6, or more drugs, each independently increasing, decreasing or maintaining the amount of drug in dose.

In some embodiments the obesity-related condition is at least one selected from obesity, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hyperglycemia, weight gain associated with smoking cessation, and weight gain associated with use of a psychotherapeutic drug. In some embodiments the second dosage comprises a greater amount of the second drug than the first dosage. In some embodiments the first drug comprises an antidepressant. In some embodiments the antidepressant comprises bupropion. In some embodiments the bupropion comprises a controlled-release bupropion. In some embodiments the controlled-release bupropion comprises a sustained-release bupropion. In some embodiments the second drug comprises an anticonvulsant. In some embodiments the anticonvulsant comprises zonisamide. In some embodiments the zonisamide comprises a controlled-release zonisamide. In some embodiments the controlled-release zonisamide comprises a sustained-release zonisamide. In some embodiments the second drug comprises an opioid antagonist. In some embodiments the opioid antagonist comprises naltrexone. In some embodiments the naltrexone comprises a controlled-release naltrexone. In some embodiments the controlled-release naltrexone comprises a sustained-release naltrexone.

In some embodiments the first drug comprises an antidepressant and the second drug comprises an anticonvulsant. In some embodiments the antidepressant comprises bupropion and the anticonvulsant comprises zonisamide. In some embodiments the first drug comprises an antidepressant and the second drug comprises an opioid antagonist. In some embodiments the antidepressant comprises bupropion and the opioid antagonist comprises naltrexone.

In some embodiments the method further comprises identifying the patient as being at risk of suffering an adverse side effect from administration of an anticonvulsant. In some embodiments the method further comprises identifying the patient as being at risk of suffering an adverse side effect from administration of an opioid antagonist.

In some embodiments the method further comprises opening a unit dosage package, the unit dosage package comprising the first dosage and the second dosage. In some embodiments the unit dosage package comprises a blister pack. In some embodiments the method further comprises administering a third dosage comprising the first drug and the second drug, wherein the third dosage comprises a greater amount of the second drug than the second dosage. In some embodiments the method further comprises removing the first dosage and the second dosage from the unit dosage package. In some embodiments administering the first dosage comprises administering a tablet that comprises the first drug and the second drug. In some embodiments the tablet comprises a plurality of layers. In some embodiments the tablet is a trilayer tablet. In some embodiments a single blister comprises multiple drugs, wherein each drug is physically separated in physically separate forms, e.g, two or more tablets, capsules, pills, etc.

In some embodiments subsequent administrations of subsequent combinations of the first drug and the second drug are administered. In some embodiments each subsequent combination the dosage of the second drug is increased, e.g., increasing the dosage of the second drug in each subsequent combination of the first drug and the second drug until a full dosage of the second drug is reached. In this manner, the individual can become accustomed to a full dosage combination of the first drug and the second drug through the above method and avoid many of the adverse side effects that could occur if the full dosage had been initially administered. Further, avoiding the adverse side effects reduces premature abandonment of the obesity medication and increases the probability of effecting weight loss in the individual.

In an embodiment a unit dosage package for a pharmaceutical formulation comprises a first unit dosage comprising a first drug and a second drug; a second unit dosage comprising the first drug and the second drug, wherein the second dosage comprises a different amount of the second drug than the first dosage; and a unit dosage package configured to hold the first unit dosage and the second unit dosage.

In some embodiments the second dosage comprises a greater amount of the second drug than the first dosage. In some embodiments the first drug comprises an antidepressant. In some embodiments the antidepressant comprises bupropion. In some embodiments the bupropion comprises a sustained-release bupropion. In some embodiments the second drug comprises an anticonvulsant. In some embodiments the anticonvulsant comprises zonisamide. In some embodiments the zonisamide comprises a sustained-release zonisamide. In some embodiments the second drug comprises an opioid antagonist. In some embodiments the opioid antagonist comprises naltrexone. In some embodiments the naltrexone comprises a sustained-release naltrexone.

In some embodiments the first drug comprises an antidepressant and the second drug comprises an anticonvulsant. In some embodiments the antidepressant comprises bupropion and the anticonvulsant comprises zonisamide. In some embodiments the first drug comprises an antidepressant and the second drug comprises an opioid antagonist. In some embodiments the antidepressant comprises bupropion and the opioid antagonist comprises naltrexone.

In some embodiments the unit dosage package comprises at least one blister and the at least one blister holds both the first drug and the second drug. In some embodiments the unit dosage package comprises a blister pack. In some embodiments at least one of the first unit dosage and the second unit dosage is a multi-layer tablet that comprises the first drug and the second drug. In some embodiments the multi-layer tablet is a trilayer tablet.

Thus, in some preferred embodiments, the multi-layer tablet is useful for the treatment of obesity and/or for affecting weight loss. Some preferred embodiments comprise at least one of an antidepressant and an anticonvulsant. Other preferred embodiments comprise at least one of an antidepressant and an opioid receptor antagonist. Other preferred embodiments comprise at least one of an anticonvulsant and an opioid receptor antagonist. Other preferred embodiments comprise at least one of an anticonvulsant and an antidiabetic.

In some embodiments, one or more of the drugs comprises naltrexone and one or more of the drugs comprises fluoxetine. In another embodiment, one or more of the drugs comprises olanzapine and one or more of the drugs comprises zonisamide. In another embodiment, one or more of the drugs comprises metformin and one or more of the drugs comprises zonisamide. In another embodiment, one or more of drugs comprises phentermine and one or more of the drugs comprise topiramate.

In some embodiments the presence of one drug in a pharmaceutical formulation enhances the desired physiological effects and/or reduces undesired physiological effects of one or more other drugs in the pharmaceutical formulation. In some embodiments the presence of one or more drugs in a pharmaceutical formulation enhances the desired physiological effects of the drugs over the additive physiological effects of the one or more drugs in comparable pharmaceutical formulations when administered alone.

Pharmaceutical formulations of any drug mentioned herein can be configured in various ways and in a variety of dosage forms to modify a dissolution rate of the drug. For example, one type of controlled-release pharmaceutical formulation is a sustained-release pharmaceutical formulation. Sustained-release pharmaceutical formulations can contain a variety of excipients, such as retardant excipients (also referred to as release modifiers) and/or fillers that are selected and incorporated into the formulation in such a way as to slow the dissolution rate of the formulation (and thereby slow the dissolution and/or release of the zonisamide) under in vivo conditions as compared to an otherwise comparable immediate-release formulation. Thus, a “comparable” immediate-release formulation is one that is substantially identical to the controlled-release formulation, except that that it is configured to provide immediate-release instead of controlled-release under substantially identical conditions.

The term “immediate-release” is used herein to specify a formulation that is not configured to alter the dissolution profile of the active ingredient (e.g., zonisamide, bupropion, naltrexone, olanzapine, phentermine, topiramate, metformin, fluoxetine). For example, an immediate-release pharmaceutical formulation may be a pharmaceutical formulation that does not contain ingredients that have been included for the purpose of altering the dissolution profile. An immediate-release formulation thus includes drug formulations that take less than 30 minutes for substantially complete dissolution of the drug in a standard dissolution test. A “standard dissolution test,” as that term is used herein, is a test conducted according to United States Pharmacopeia 24th edition (2000) (USP 24), pp. 1941-1943, using Apparatus 2 described therein at a spindle rotation speed of 100 rpm and a dissolution medium of water, at 37° C., or other test conditions substantially equivalent thereto. The term “controlled-release” is used herein in its ordinary sense and thus includes pharmaceutical formulations that are combined with ingredients to alter their dissolution profile. A “sustained-release” formulation is a type of controlled-release formulation, wherein ingredients have been added to a pharmaceutical formulation such that the dissolution profile of the active ingredient is extended over a longer period of time than that of an otherwise comparable immediate-release formulation. A controlled-release formulation thus includes drug formulations that take 30 minutes or longer for substantially complete dissolution of the drug in a standard dissolution test, conditions which are representative of the in vivo release profile.

In an embodiment a method of packaging a combination of bupropion and at least one of zonisamide and naltrexone comprises providing a unit dosage package that holds the bupropion and the at least one of the zonisamide and the naltrexone; and packaging administration instructions with the unit dosage package in a unit dosage package.

In some embodiments the bupropion comprises a sustained-release bupropion. In some embodiments the zonisamide comprises a sustained-release zonisamide. In some embodiments the naltrexone comprises a sustained-release naltrexone. In some embodiments packaging administration instructions in the unit dosage package comprises printing instructions onto the unit dosage package. In some embodiments the unit dosage package comprises a blister pack.

In some embodiments, the method is realized by a medical professional e.g., a physician or a hospital employee. The medical professional administers each dosage, a “unit dosage” (as defined herein), of the first drug and the second drug to the individual in need of such treatment. Each succeeding unit dosage combination contains an increased dosage of the second drug until a full dosage of the first drug in combination with the second drug is reached.

In one embodiment of the method the medical professional employs a unit dosage package. The unit dosage package contains a number of “unit dosages”, each representing a single administration of a particular pharmaceutical formulation. In some embodiments the pharmaceutical formulation comprises a specific combination of a first drug and a second drug. The pharmaceutical formulation may be a single pill, capsule, tablet, etc. or may be a plurality of pills, capsules, tablets, etc. Each successive pharmaceutical formulation in a unit dosage package ramps up the dosage of the second drug until a full dosage is reached. In this manner, at a first administration a medical professional removes a first pharmaceutical formulation dosage from the unit dosage package and administers the first dosage to an individual. At a second administration the medical professional removes a second pharmaceutical formulation dosage from the unit dosage package and administers the second dosage to the individual. At subsequent administrations the medical professional removes and administers successive pharmaceutical formulation dosages until a full dosage of the second drug in combination with the first drug is reached. The medical professional is thus able to perform one embodiment of the method.

Another embodiment provides a system for performing the method by an individual without the constant supervision of a medical professional. An individual is provided with a unit dosage package comprising a unit dosage package. The unit dosage package comprises a number of dosages, each dosage representing a pharmaceutical formulation. The pharmaceutical formulations comprise varying combinations of a first drug and a second drug. In preferred embodiments the dosages are arranged within the unit dosage package so that each successive pharmaceutical formulation contains increased amounts of the second drug in combination with constant amounts of the first drug e.g., until a full dosage of the second drug is reached. On a first day, the individual removes the first pharmaceutical formulation from the unit dosage package and ingests it. On a second day, based on the structure of the unit dosage package, the individual removes a second pharmaceutical formulation and ingests it. In some embodiments each successive dosage is labeled sequentially with numbers or letters, or a combination of the two. In some embodiments each successive dosage corresponds to a day or time label. In preferred embodiments the second pharmaceutical formulation and each successive formulation in the unit dosage package comprise an increased amount of the second drug until a full dosage is reached. Some embodiments of a unit dosage package also comprise instructions to the individual for administration of each successive pharmaceutical formulation. The individual becomes accustomed to increased pharmaceutical formulations dosages. Thus, the individual can use the unit dosage package to decrease or avoid many of the initial adverse side effects associated with administering a full dosage combination of the first drug and the second drug to affect weight loss.

It may be convenient for a consumer to have a unit dosage package that designates a particular length of time for administration of one or more drugs. For example, a particular unit dosage package may comprise a month of unit dosages. Another unit dosage package may comprise a week of unit dosages. Another unit dosage package may comprise two or more days of unit dosages. A unit dosage package may also comprise detachable strips representing smaller lengths of time. For example, a unit dosage package representing two or more weeks may comprise two or more portions that may be detached to form individual unit dosage packages.

Certain embodiments of unit dosage packages are known in the art. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,942,641, wherein it is indicated that unit dosage packages include those that accommodate pharmaceutical formulations representing daily unit dosage forms in a contiguous, sequential arrangement which, if properly used according to instructions packaged therewith, cause the proper formulation to be administered at the appropriate time. For example, such a unit dosage package can comprise individual blister pods (“blisters”) for the storage in each of a single unit dosage form. At the appropriate time the unit dosage form is manually dispensed therefrom through a frangible retaining layer. Storage of other unit dosage forms is not affected by such dispensing. Appropriate notations are placed on the unit dosage package or the unit dosage package, if desired, to guide or instruct the user thereof in the proper use of the pharmaceutical formulations contained therein. For example, day of the week, miscellaneous instructions, etc., are provided, if so desired.

In some embodiments a unit dosage package comprises a number of blisters. Blisters comprise unit dosages. Unit dosages of pharmaceutical formulations comprising at least a first drug and a second drug are thus administered from the unit dosage package. In some embodiments, a single blister contains a unit dosage of both the first drug and the second drug. In other embodiments a single blister contains either a unit dosage of a first drug or a unit dosage of a second drug. (In the latter case a corresponding blister can contain a corresponding dosage of the other.)

In some embodiments a unit dosage package is a blister pack, a pill box or a medication dispenser. Examples of pill boxes include a wallet card pill carrier, a key ring pill box, a capsule shaped pill box, a hollow necklace dispenser, a weekly organizer, an organizer cube, an airtight box and a hollow pocket watch. Examples of medication dispensers include certain types of unit dosage packages that hold certain medications in a specific order for accurate administration. In some embodiments a unit dosage package has compartments holding specific unit dosages and/or combinations of pharmaceutical formulations including prescribed medications suitable for administration to a patient. Some unit dosage packages include instructions for medication administration.

In some embodiments, the dosages are provided at least once, twice or three times a day for a set period, which can be at least, at least about, less than, less than about, equal to or between any range within 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 consecutive days or at least, at least about, less than, less than about, equal to or between any range within of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 consecutive weeks or at least, at least about, less than, less than about, equal to or between any range within 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 consecutive months. The amount of drug in any pharmaceutical formulation described herein includes amounts of at least, at least about, less than, less than about, equal to or between any range within 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, 1000, 1500, 2000, 3000, 4000 or 5000 mg.

In one embodiment a unit dosage package for a pharmaceutical formulation, comprises a first unit dosage comprising a first drug and a second drug, a second unit dosage comprising the first drug and the second drug, wherein the second unit dosage comprises a different amount of the second drug than the first unit dosage and a unit dosage package configured to hold the first unit dosage and the second unit dosage.

In some embodiments the second unit dosage comprises a greater amount of the second drug than the first unit dosage. In some embodiments the first drug or the second drug comprises an antidepressant. In some embodiments the antidepressant comprises bupropion. In some embodiments the bupropion comprises a sustained-release bupropion. In some embodiments the first drug or the second drug comprises an anticonvulsant. In some embodiments the anticonvulsant comprises zonisamide. In some embodiments the zonisamide comprises a sustained-release zonisamide. In some embodiments the first drug or the second drug comprises an opioid antagonist. In some embodiments the opioid antagonist comprises naltrexone.

In some embodiments the first drug comprises bupropion and the second drug comprises zonisamide. In some embodiments the first drug comprises bupropion and the second drug comprises naltrexone. In some embodiments the first drug comprises fluoxetine and the second drug comprises naltrexone. In some embodiments the first drug comprises olanzapine and the second drug comprises zonisamide. In some embodiments the first drug comprises antidiabetic and the second drug comprises zonisamide. In some embodiments the antidiabetic comprises metformin. In some embodiments the first drug comprises topiramate and the second drug comprises phentermine. In some embodiments the unit dosage package comprises a blister and the blister holds both the first drug and the second drug.

In some embodiments the first drug and the second drug are selected from the group consisting of zonisamide, bupropion, naltrexone, phentermine, topiramate, metformin, olanzapine, fluoxetine, and any combinations, prodrugs or salts thereof. In some embodiments the first drug and the second drug are part of a single physical form. In some embodiments the single physical form is a multi-layer tablet. In some embodiments the multi-layer tablet is a trilayer tablet. In some embodiments the unit dosage package comprises a first blister and a second blister, wherein the first blister holds the first drug and the second blister holds the second drug. In some embodiments the unit dosage package comprises a blister pack.

In one embodiment a method of providing a pharmaceutical formulation to a patient comprises providing a unit dosage package for a pharmaceutical formulation, wherein the unit dosage package is configured to hold a first unit dosage and a second unit dosage, wherein the first unit dosage comprises a first drug and a second drug, wherein the second unit dosage comprises the first drug and the second drug, and wherein the second unit dosage comprises a different amount of the second drug than the first unit dosage.

In some embodiments the method further comprises identifying a patient with an obesity related condition, wherein the obesity-related condition is selected from the group consisting of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, weight gain associated with smoking cessation and weight gain associated with use of a psychotherapeutic drug. In some embodiments the second dosage comprises a greater amount of the second drug than the first dosage.

In some embodiments the first drug or the second drug comprises an antidepressant. In some embodiments the first drug or the second drug comprises an anticonvulsant. In some embodiments the first drug or the second drug comprises an opioid antagonist. In some embodiments the first drug or the second drug comprises an antidiabetic. In some embodiments the first drug and the second drug are selected from the group consisting of zonisamide, bupropion, naltrexone, phentermine, topiramate, antidiabetic, olanzapine, fluoxetine, and any combinations, prodrugs or salts thereof.

In some embodiments the method further comprises identifying the patient as being at risk of suffering an adverse side effect from administration of an anticonvulsant. In some embodiments the method further comprises identifying the patient as being at risk of suffering an adverse side effect from administration of an opioid antagonist. In some embodiments the method further comprises opening a unit dosage package, the unit dosage package comprising the first dosage and the second dosage. In some embodiments the unit dosage package comprises a blister pack.

In some embodiments the unit dosage package comprises a third unit dosage and, wherein the third dosage comprises a greater amount of the second drug than the second dosage. In some embodiments providing the unit dosage package comprises removing the first dosage and the second dosage from the unit dosage package. In some embodiments providing a unit dosage package comprises administering a tablet that comprises the first drug and the second drug to the patient, wherein the tablet comprises a plurality of layers. In some embodiments the tablet is a trilayer tablet.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Such modifications and changes are intended to fall within the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims. 

1-30. (canceled)
 31. A method of providing a pharmaceutical formulation to a patient, said method comprising: providing a unit dosage package for a pharmaceutical formulation, wherein the unit dosage package is configured to hold a first unit dosage and a second unit dosage, wherein the first unit dosage comprises a first drug and a second drug, wherein the second unit dosage comprises the first drug and the second drug, and wherein the second unit dosage comprises a different amount of the second drug than the first unit dosage.
 32. The method of claim 31 further comprising identifying a patient with an obesity related condition, wherein said obesity-related condition is selected from the group consisting of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, weight gain associated with smoking cessation and weight gain associated with use of a psychotherapeutic drug.
 33. The method of claim 31, wherein said second dosage comprises a greater amount of said second drug than said first dosage.
 34. The method of claim 31, wherein said first drug or said second drug comprises an antidepressant.
 35. The method of claim 31, wherein said first drug or said second drug comprises an anticonvulsant.
 36. The method of claim 31, wherein said first drug or said second drug comprises an opioid antagonist.
 37. The method of claim 31, wherein said first drug or said second drug comprises an antidiabetic.
 38. The method of claim 31, wherein said first drug and said second drug are selected from the group consisting of zonisamide, bupropion, naltrexone, phentermine, topiramate, antidiabetic, olanzapine, fluoxetine, and any combinations, prodrugs or salts thereof.
 39. The method of claim 31 further comprising identifying the patient as being at risk of suffering an adverse side effect from administration of an anticonvulsant.
 40. The method of claim 31 further comprising identifying the patient as being at risk of suffering an adverse side effect from administration of an opioid antagonist.
 41. The method of claim 31 further comprising opening a unit dosage package, the unit dosage package comprising said first dosage and said second dosage.
 42. The method of claim 31, wherein said unit dosage package comprises a blister pack.
 43. The method of claim 31, wherein the unit dosage package comprises a third unit dosage and, wherein said third dosage comprises a greater amount of said second drug than said second dosage.
 44. The method of claim 31, wherein providing the unit dosage package comprises removing said first dosage and said second dosage from the unit dosage package.
 45. The method of claim 31, wherein providing a unit dosage package comprises administering a tablet that comprises said first drug and said second drug to said patient, wherein the tablet comprises a plurality of layers.
 46. The method of claim 45, wherein said tablet is a trilayer tablet. 